ADAM I woke up in an unfamiliar hotel bedroom, my skull throbbing as I tried to collect my thoughts from an awful night. I must’ve gotten drunk and ended up here. My head was just too occupied with Eloise and the Jacksons, and I needed to get away from those distractions. Lying next to me was a redhead, her skin as pale as paper and her wavy hair on my bed. However, it wasn’t the same redhead I preferred to wake up next to. My mind instantly drifted to Eloise, the woman who had been messing with my thoughts lately. The woman beside me was Michelle, a woman I’d already fucked from the past. “Hey…” I nudged her shoulder. She groaned and blinked her brown eyes. “Adam.” “We need to go. Get up.” She lazily pulled herself up, and the blanket slipped, revealing her breasts. I quickly averted my gaze, feeling a strange discomfort. Though Michelle was undeniably attractive, my interest just wasn’t in it. My head kept circling back to Eloise, and I even imagined her last night beneath me
ELOISE We landed in Edinburgh in the morning, and then Mr. Ross drove off to my father’s mansion. I’d been to his home a few times before, but never for an extended stay. I wasn’t welcomed into his house, and I’d never really dreamt of being around Davina. I couldn’t blame my dad’s wife if she didn’t like me—sure, but I also couldn’t force myself to like her. When I was still attending Heriot-Watt University, I would only go there if my father called for me. My father’s neoclassical mansion had been passed down through generations of viscounts. As a viscount himself, he was the current lord of the estate. Despite the weight of the situation, I couldn’t help but notice that the mansion's grandeur was breathtaking. It stood proudly as if untouched by years, a testament to the unwavering dedication of the people who had preserved this place. The elaborate windows were framed with ornate moldings, catching the sunlight and glinting like jewels. The gardens surrounding the estate wer
ELOISE Nina led me to the right wing into a ridiculously spacious bedroom decorated with peonies. Sunlight streamed through two tall windows with swaying white curtains. Two baby pink sofas and a center table were placed nearby with sweet snacks on top. I could easily imagine waking up here with coffee or a book. In the center of the room stood a four-poster queen-sized bed with intricately carved wooden posts that stretched up to the ceiling. The mattress was covered with fresh white sheets that looked so comfy, almost making me forget how unwelcome I felt in this house. Across from the bed, a vanity furnished with delicate feminine decorations matched the room’s aesthetic. A private bathroom was conveniently located nearby, giving off the same cozy vibe as the bedroom. As I took in the room’s details, Nina spoke with warmth. She stood beside me. “I hope you like it. I asked the maids to make it comfortable and minimalist. I was thinking you might feel overwhelmed.” “That’s very
ELOISE I walked around the main gardens, and just like Nina said, this place was huge, way bigger than my eyes could see. Tall trees clustered together, and grassy lawns seemed to stretch forever, like a massive green carpet. The cool air smelled like a farm and sweet nectar. This could be a good place to relax, especially since dealing with my dad and his wife would be stressful. I didn’t sleep much on the flight, but exploring rather than staying in my room was better. I stopped at the gardens of peonies and roses and took some selfies. I made sure the background didn’t give away that I was at my dad’s place, and then I uploaded a picture on my social media before I kept walking. I saw houses far away. I took more pictures but immediately decided to keep them on my phone. I didn’t want my followers to know where I was, also guessing those houses might be where the workers in the mansion lived. From a distance, I heard horses neighing and saw people riding them, which was new an
ELOISE My meals were delivered to my bedroom for the rest of the day. Honestly, this way was much better because I had no interest in dining with my father or Davina. It felt kind of lonely whenever I contemplated if this was their everyday life in the mansion. Probably because Malcolm had just passed away, the silence was painfully pronounced. I suppose my actual hellish day starts tomorrow. I checked my phone again before bed. I had messages from my work emails that needed responses, but I figured I could ask Trina to handle those. Fortunately, she was there as my counterpart. Jenna had messaged me this morning to ask how it was going, and there was also an unanswered message from Adam. He hadn’t messaged since. Rolling onto my side in bed, I wondered what I could reply to him, constantly composing and deleting messages. “I’m busy…” I deleted the text. “Just say it here.” I deleted the text again. “You can just call me…” Damn it. I deleted my message again but accidentall
ELOISE The mansion’s veranda appeared somber, especially under the shade of gray clouds that hung to the sky like a heavy shroud. The early morning air was moist with the scent of rain-soaked soil, and steady showers played a gentle rhythm on the grounds. I was dressed in a casual coral sundress that Nina chose for me. She said it was fitting for the morning meal, but I felt the color didn’t match my mood and the dull ambiance of the place. Nina then ushered me to the table where a traditional Scottish breakfast was served. I hesitated, but my father’s stern gaze urged me to sit. I settled across from him. The atmosphere was tense, as if sitting together was an unfamiliar ritual. Which, of course, it was. I grew up outside his care, with him only fulfilling the responsibilities of a parent from afar. On the table, breakfast consisted of haggis, black pudding, fried eggs, sausages, and baked beans. It was generous, but the weight of my father’s presence made it difficult for me to
ELOISE When we returned to the mansion, Nina read my schedule in her notes as we selected my evening dress. It felt incredibly tiring to change repeatedly on various occasions in a day. “You’ve got a dress rehearsal with the personal tailor tonight, Mrs. Laurent. Lord Cunningham’s birthday dinner is already on Friday, so we’re tight on time for a custom dress. Instead, you’ll try out her new designs, which she’ll adjust to your size. She’s waiting for you in the drawing room. I’ll give you some basic table manners lessons tomorrow morning during breakfast. “After that, I’ll take you to the hairdresser, shopping, and the spa. You’ll have some free time in the evening, but since Lord Cunningham wants you to meet the baron, I’ll keep you engaged to avoid him. That might also help us postpone meeting him until we’re more prepared. Your father still expects you to attend at least one dinner with him.” I clenched my teeth. “Fine. What else?” “Around afternoon tomorrow, you’ll officiall
ELOISE “Hello, Eloise,” Adam greeted. God, his voice. It resonated deep within my bones. “Hey, um, are you busy?” “A little. I still have some matters to look into,” he whispered. “Work stuff?” “Yes, I’m reviewing the proposals sent to me by my producers.” “Oh.” I bit my bottom lip. “We can just talk later, then.” “No, it’s alright. This can wait. How are you?” “Mm. Tired?” He chuckled softly. “So you think calling me might make you feel untired?” I laughed. God, he did make me feel good. “That’s not even a word.” “Of course it is. I was waiting for your call.” I lay on the bed with my eyes on the ceiling. “I’ve had a long day.” “Want to tell me about it?” he asked. “Uh, I’d rather not. I would rather escape from all this.” “Try me.” “I’d rather go back to New York.” To see you... “So you’ve admitted you’re somewhere out of the States.” It wasn’t a question but more of a probing statement. “Edinburgh,” I admitted. “I’m here for unavoidable family matters. They’re my
ADAMTwo Months LaterI stared at the array of takeout containers at the dining table.Chinese. Pizza. Sushi. And what looked like... pancakes?I glanced at my wife, rummaging through another bag of food with a look of utter dissatisfaction on her face.She sighed heavily, dropping back into her seat with a huff.“This isn’t what I wanted,” she muttered, poking at a container of stir-fried noodles with her chopsticks. “Why do they always mess up the order? I specifically said no onions.”I bit back a smile, sipping water to hide my amusement. She’d been in a mood all evening—no, all week. She snapped at the delivery guy, rearranged the table three times, and now complained about the food. It wasn’t like her to be so... irritable.“Do you want me to order something else?” I offered, keeping my tone calm.She groaned. “No, it’s fine. It’s not your fault. I’m just... hungry.”“Alright,” I said, taking a bite of sushi as I watched her pick up a slice of pizza. She inspected it and then pu
ELOISEThe news was everywhere.“BREAKING: Adam Sebastian Takes Charge as CBS Undergoes Major Changes.”The TV screen in the corner of Adam’s—I meant our—living room displayed his gorgeous face as the anchor discussed his triumphant return to CBS. I sat curled up on the plush leather couch, my bare feet tucked beneath me.The move to Adam’s penthouse had consumed our week, but things felt more real for the first time since our whirlwind honeymoon—more tangible than they had a couple of weeks ago.“Following the high-profile arrest of former CEO Christopher Jackson on charges of fraud and embezzlement, CBS has been acquired by Sebastian Pictures,” the reporter announced.I glanced toward Adam, who sat in the adjacent armchair. His shirt sleeves were rolled up, and he held a glass of scotch.His hair was slightly tousled, as though he’d run his fingers through it one too many times. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes—those piercing ocean blues—held a flicker of satisfaction that only
ADAM The music shifted again, this time to something bolder—a sign that the night’s main event was about to begin. The guests settled at their tables, and so did Eloise and I. Servers glided through the crowd, topping off glasses with champagne, some served canapés. Christopher then stepped onto the stage like a man who believed the world bowed at his feet—because, for now, it did. I smirked. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, his tone booming through the room. “Thank you all for joining us tonight to celebrate our annual holiday gala and another year of extraordinary success at CBS.” Polite applause followed. His smile widened. “This year has been one of tremendous growth, and we owe that to our investors, our partners, and of course, all of you.” He gestured broadly to the crowd. “But tonight, we celebrate more than profits. We celebrate vision—the vision that built this company into what it is today.” The applause grew louder, but Christopher held up a hand, silencing them. “An
ELOISEThe Astoria Royale buzzed with the presence of celebrities, influential politicians, renowned news anchors, and prominent CBS journalists, all gathered for tonight's grand event.Towering glass chandeliers bathed the grand ballroom in a soft, golden glow, and the scent of vanilla and champagne lingered in the air with some faint traces of expensive perfumes and cigars.It was intoxicating. Dizzying. I still wasn’t used to this, not even after all the lavish parties back in Scotland.I stepped onto the red velvet carpet leading into the ballroom, the click of my emerald stilettos barely audible beneath the hum of conversation, the smooth notes of classical jazz, and bursts of laughter.The crowd stirred when Adam and I entered. Cameras flashed from behind us, and photographers called out for us to turn and pose.The flashes were blinding, but Adam’s warm, steady hand at the small of my back grounded me. I glanced up at him.God, my husband was breathtaking tonight.Adam wore a s
ELOISEThe night was unusually calm for New York—no sirens, no distant honking horns. It was just the quiet hum of the city beneath us and the distant shimmer of lights stretching to the horizon.I leaned on the balcony railing of my house, my fingers wrapped around the warm ceramic of my coffee mug, while Adam stood beside me, resting his weight against the edge.His face was hard to read tonight—calm but calculating. The kind of expression he wore when his mind was turning over something too heavy to leave unspoken. I’d grown used to the layers in his looks, but tonight, there was something sharper.“Are you going to tell me what’s on your mind, or do I have to pry it out of you?” I teased, though my voice came out softer than I intended.Adam’s lips quirked into the faintest smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “You’re getting good at that—reading me.”“It’s not hard. You practically radiate tension.” I leaned closer, resting my head against his shoulder for a moment. “Talk to me.”
ELOISEWhen Adam and I first entered my place to meet Jenna and grab a few things, my best friend was already standing by the door, hands on her chest.She looked at us with disappointment written all over her face, but I knew it had more to do with the fact that I hadn’t told her I was getting married.“You traitor,” she mumbled.I sighed, not wanting to disappoint her further. I immediately hugged her.“I’m sorry. I have no excuse. But can we please sit inside so I can explain?”“You told me I’d be your maid of honor!”She glanced at Adam and scowled.“Another traitor.”“Hi! Jenna, right?” Adam flashed his sweetest smile.Jenna’s mouth dropped open, but she quickly looked away.“Just come in.” She stepped aside.We entered the living room while Adam looked around, taking in the space.“You do have a nice place here. Maybe we should stay?” he teased.Jenna gasped and rushed in front of us.“Are you guys—kicking me out?”I laughed. “Don’t listen to him. He’s just kidding!”We sat down
ELOISEThat evening, while I was showering, Adam joined me. He wrapped his arms around me from behind while his lips placed soft kisses on my shoulder. I moved my hair to the side and looked back at him. Even after everything, it still felt surreal. Adam was my husband now.Just a few weeks ago, I met this man because of a simple mistake on a blind date, and he became someone who supported me. But there was still so much I had to learn about him, many things we needed to resolve and discuss.Under the shower, we stayed silent, savoring each other’s presence. Words became unnecessary with each kiss on my shoulder, neck, and back. I surrendered to the surge of emotions, my body burning with every touch of his fingers on my skin.Adam’s lips traveled down my back to the space between my buttocks. I moaned, arching my back as his tongue slid through. I gripped the wall; the only sounds were the splashing water, my rapid heartbeat, and my heavy breathing. His fingers traced my slit, and my
ELOISEWhen the doctor left, Adam and I watched Davina sit beside Malcolm’s bed, her hand never leaving his face.The doctor told us he didn’t know when my brother was going to wake up, but he should still be able to from his temporary coma.Davina was the first to speak. “How… how could Callum do this to me? After everything…”Dad was standing by the window with his hands folded across his chest when he finally broke his silence. “Callum did it because I let him. Because my ambition and greed blinded me.” There was a long pause before he turned to face us. “I did this. I did this to our family... to Malcolm. I was too focused on making sure the Cunningham name stayed strong. I was one-sided.”Davina’s eyes flicked, and her lips pressed tightly together. “You can’t blame yourself for this. I asked you to—”“I can blame myself,” Dad cut her off. “I’ve seen the signs. To think that I almost gave away my only daughter.” He waved his hand towards me.My heart skipped a beat. I wasn’t sure
ADAM Eloise and I continued to move through the crowd, accepting congratulations and well wishes from the guests. I kept glancing around the room, scanning the crowd for any sign of Jonathan, but he had taken the initiative and was now talking to Callum. He had probably slipped away during the ceremony to begin his part of the operation. Now, all I could do was wait for him to make contact. Eloise chatted with her relatives near the buffet table when my phone buzzed in my pocket. I stepped away from the crowd, keeping my movements casual. I checked the message. It was from Jonathan: We spotted the ambulance, but one of my men outside hit a small complication. I glanced around again, making sure Callum wasn’t watching, and I remained calm. I moved toward a secluded reception corner, pressing the phone to my ear as I dialed Jonathan’s number. Jonathan gestured to Callum to wait a moment as he answered my call. “Jonathan, what’s going on?” I asked, my voice low but urgent. “I’m sor